Allen West Speaks At Lincoln Day Dinner, Quotes Confederate General

[Enrique]

8. it only makes sense as a dog whistle

Here's the quote from the speech

http://www.factasy.com/civil_war/blogs/senator/stonewall_jackson_his_address_first_brigade

"In the Army of the Shenandoah you were the First Brigade. In the Army of the Potomac you were the First Brigade! In the second corps of the army you are the First Brigade! You are the First Brigade in the affections of your General; and I hope, by your future deeds and bearing, you will be handed down to posterity as the First Brigade, in this our Second War of Independence. Farewell!"

There's nothing really there which especially applies to West's situation. On the other hand, the invoking of the Confederate hero has obvious meaning to Florida rednecks. And at the Lincoln Day dinner no less. It's like he's saying "I know we Republicans have to celebrate Lincoln these days, but between you and me he was on the wrong side."